1.Houston Texans - Teddy Bridgewater, QB, LouisvilleWhile
I would not be surprised if the Texans went with Jadeveon Clowney or a
tackle with their first pick, I do ultimately think they will go
quarterback, and Bridgewater is an excellet quarterback prospect. Sure,
he may not be as "hot" as Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles, Bridgewater
is in my opinion the top quarterback in the draft, and ready for the NFL
right now.

2. St. Louis Rams (via Washington) - Jadeveon Clowney,DE,South CarolinaI
do ultimately expect the Rams, who scored with Washington's collapse to
get this pick, to trade down to somebody either looking to move up for
Clowney or for a quarterback. But if they hold at two, I think they'll
make an excellent pass rush combo of Chris Long and Robert Quinn even
more potent. Even with the effort questions (fair or unfair), Clowney is
a special talent.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Blake Bortles, QB, UCFSo
Blaine Gabbert ultimately did not work out after all, color me shocked.
We knew the Jaguars were going to find an answer at quarterback at some
point and while it may be intriguing for an excellent defensive coach
like Gus Bradley to grab a versatile defensive talent, they would be
making a mistake to pass up a quarterback. Bortles has seen his stock
rise as the Knights got to the Fiesta Bowl and won, and he just may have
the highest ceiling of any quarterback in this draft.

4. Cleveland Browns - Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&MI
am not one of the skeptics of Manziel at the next level, as I think he
can be great in the pros. Sure, he may be a little small, his instincts
are amazing, his playmaking ability is excellent and his passing skills
are pretty good as well. The biggest questions with him are his
maturity, but he is absolutely worth the shot for a team that has not
had a franchise quarterback since Bernie Kosar. And we already know that
Cleveland is smitten with Manziel.

5. Oakland Raiders - Sammy Watkins, WR, ClemsonWithout
the top quarterbacks on the board (unless they were to reach for Derek
Carr), Oakland is in an interesting spot here and I would not be
surprised if Reggie McKenzie would want to move down to stockpile picks.
If they stay at five, don't be surprised if they add the number one
wideout that they have lacked in the very explosive Watkins.

6. Atlanta Falcons - Jake Matthews, T, Texas A&MA
lot of folks think that Atlanta may just move up to take Clowney given
their needs to upgrade their pitiful pass rush in 2013, but it should
not be forgotten that their pass protection was subpar as Sam Baker was a
mess on the blindside. The Falcons are an offensive team built around
Matt Ryan and the passing game, and protection for him is vital. Plus,
Matthews just may be the top prospect available.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, BuffaloLovie Smith is headed to Tampa
and while he is a great defensive coach, he needs more playmakers on
that side of the ball, particularly in the pass rush which has been a
problem spot for the club for years. So I think this pick will come down
to Mack and Anthony Barr, with the more-polished Mack getting the nod
and he looks like an excellent fit for the defense.

8. Minnesota Vikings - Derek Carr, QB, Fresno StateWould
I take Carr with a top ten pick? Probably not, I think he's a talented
quarterback with an excellent arm but a little too inconsistent for my
taste. But for the Vikings, who are desperate for a franchise
quarterback after getting little from the trio of Christian Ponder, Matt
Cassel and Josh Freeman in 2013, may just be willing to roll the dice.

9. Buffalo Bills - Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&ME.J.
Manuel struggled to stay healthy as a rookie but when he was on the
field, he showed some flashes that he can be a good quarterback in the
NFL. Therefore, the Bills should upgrade his supporting cast by
bolstering his receiving corps by taking Evans, who will give a small
group some much-needed size. He had a brilliant 2013 and would give
Manuel a big target in the red zone and elsewhere.

10. Detroit Lions - Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan StateThe
Lions have a talented (and expensive) defensive line, but with a
cornerback crop that was brutal at times in 2013 that was brutal at
times, a talented cover corner like Dennard would be much appreciated to
fully unleash the line. Dennard was awesome in 2013 and played a key
role for an excellent Michigan State defense that led the Spartans to a
Rose Bowl victory and he is a physical and fluid corner with the
instincts to make plays on the ball even with decent speed.

11. Tennessee Titans - Anthony Barr, DE/OLB, UCLATennessee
would be ecstatic if a talent like Barr were to fall to 11 as I project
here because they could use some added juice to their disappointing
pass rush. Barr is the kind of versatile pass rusher that teams love to
employ these days but with his slight frame, he will have to bulk up to
play defensive end so he appears to be best fitting in a 3-4 or a 4-3
outside linebacker.

12. New York Giants - Greg Robinson, T, AuburnThere
were many reasons why Eli Manning was a turnover machine in 2013, and
thus why the Giants were a disappointing 7-9, but one of the chief ones
had to be a mediocre offensive line that seldom gave Manning time to
make a good decision. Robinson has to develop as a pass blocker but he
has all the tools, and his excellence in run blocking could help spark a
garbage New York rushing game.

13. St. Louis Rams - Taylor Lewan, T, MichiganThe
Rams have given Sam Bradford a vote of confidence in that they still
believe in him as their quarterback, so I think they will look to
upgrade their offensive line with a talented tackle like Lewan who is
rock solid with both pass and run blocking, and is coming off a good
2013 campaign. St. Louis needs more depth at tackle as Jake Long has
injury issues and Rodger Saffold will be a free agent.

14. Chicago Bears - Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
The Bears are going to need help defensively and a lot of it as their unit took several steps backward in 2013. It was a key reason why the club missed the playoffs when given a good opportunity to win the NFC North as several players declined at once across the board. The defensive line could use some work and specifically at defensive tackle as Henry Melton, who was not great this past season, is a free agent. Jernigan was excellent for the national champions in Tallahassee and was very strong in the national championship, even as he got winded late in the second half. He's a versatile and disruptive presence that applies good pressure from the interior of the defensive line.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Louis Nix, DT, Notre DameThe
Steelers enjoy many a season with the massive Casey Hampton plugging up
holes and running lanes at nose tackle and after they released him
after the 2012 season, they did not get consistent play from his
replacement Steve McClendon. Plus, McClendon may be a better fit at end
and taking an excellent run stuffer in Nix would allow them to shore up
the nose and the five technique at the same time.

16. Baltimore Ravens** - Antonio Richardson, T, TennesseeBoth
of Baltimore's tackles, Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher, are free agents
this offseason and while they could theoretically bring back both
tackles, I think at least Oher will not be brought back. Therefore, the
Ravens could use a new right tackle and Richardson is one of the better tackle prospects remaining on the
board. Richardson has the skill-set to play left tackle and he is a
seasoned and talented tackle. He is big but also athletic and is good
with the pass and the run.

17. Dallas Cowboys** - Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, S, AlabamaThe Cowboys were a disaster against the pass in 2013, easily finishing with the worst marks in the league with a whopping 415.3 yards-per-game allowed. Obviously, they need help so they can afford to take one of the top players remaining on the board in this talented safety from Alabama who can help upgrade their secondary. Dix is the kind of playmaker that teams love at free safety in that he
is a good cover guy while also being able to attack in the running game
as well.

18. New York Jets - Marqise Lee, WR, USCGeno
Smith was a mess in his rookie season and while it is too easy to
ignore him and put the blame on his awful supporting cast, his
supporting cast was awful and it is a necessity if the Jets think Smith
could be the guy that they upgrade the talent around him. I had them
going Eric Ebron before but I do think if one of the top wideouts is on
the board, the Jetropolitans will look to snatch him up. Lee had an
inconsistent season by his standards and expectations but he is a burner
on the perimeter that routes very good routes and catches the ball
well.

19. Miami Dolphins - Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma StateBrent Grimes was tremendous in his return from tearing his Achilles this past season, but he is also a free agent this offseason. Losing him would be a big loss to this Miami defense, and even if they keep him in town, we know in this day and age that you can never have too many corners. Gilbert is the kind of athlete you crave to have at cornerback and he
has excellent ball skills to boot plus he is an above-average sized
player for his position. He was a hell of a player in Stillwater, and
can contribute big time in the return game.

20. Arizona Cardinals - Cyrus Kouandijo, T, Alabama

Yet
another year, yet again the Cardinals still have needs at offensive
tackle, at least opposite the talented Jonathan Cooper because the hole
at left tackle was a major problem even as the team tried to scheme
around it. The best tackle on the board is probably Kouandijo and he
would be a good fit for the club here. He is an excellent athlete with
ideal size for the position and is very talented with a high ceiling,
but he is raw.

21. Green Bay Packers - C.J. Mosley, MLB, AlabamaMosley
would be a steal at 21 for the Packers in my opinion as there are a
number of teams that could take him in May. He is the kind of tackler
and leader you love to have in the middle of your defense and he is very
good at multiple aspects of the position while possessing few weakness.
Green Bay needs some pop at inside linebacker in their 3-4 and Mosley
would be a solid fit.

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Kony Ealy, DE/OLB, Missouri

Thankfully the Eagles were able to rely on their offense to get them to
the NFC East crown because they got little from their defense, which was
mediocre for much if not all of the season. They ended up last in the
league against the pass and one way they can improve their unit is by
upgrading the pass rush. Ealy was excellent for the surprising Tigers coming off the edge and he has the athleticism and the explosiveness to play the 3-4 position effectively.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Ebron, TE, North CarolinaAlex
Smith is not a great quarterback but with a talented supporting cast
can get the job done and then some and with his decent arm, it is key
for him to have quality options in the middle of the field. We saw what
he could do under Jim Harbaugh with Vernon Davis at tight end and if
Ebron is available, I think Kansas City would take him quickly.

24. Cincinnati Bengals - Marcus Roberson, CB, FloridaRoberson may not be much of a player against the run, and he is on the
skinnier side for a six-feet corner, but he showed some natural man
coverage talent in Gainesville and has the size and speed to be a real
weapon against the pass. Cincinnati is stout defensively
but they could use some more youth and depth at corner.

25. San Diego Chargers - Zack Martin, G/T, Notre DamePhilip Rivers has an excellent rebound campaign for the Chargers and was a major reason why San Diego made the playoffs and won in Cincinnati. That said, it was even more impressive considering that his offensive line was not great, and the interior of the line was substandard at times. Therefore, Martin is a good fit. Martin had a fine season at left tackle for the
Fighting Irish but he projects to be more of a guard in the NFL due to
his inconsistency with dealing with speedy pass rushers as well as his
excellent run blocking skills.

It
truly was awesome what Josh Gordon was able to do for the Browns not
just with the garbage at quarterback, but with how there was nothing of
note opposite him at receiver. Benjamin was the big-play threat for the Seminoles this year and he has
the size and speed to be a serious playmaker in the vertical passing
game.

27. New Orleans Saints - Scott Crichton, DE/OLB, Oregon State

In a passing league, versatile pass rushers are a valuable commodity,
and the more you have, the better you are off. Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme was
better than expected in 2013 thanks to, among other things, talented
pass rushers in Cam Jordan and Junior Galette, who was a revelation.
Crichton would be a good fit in Ryan's scheme as he is a disruptive
presence off the edge and versatile enough to do so in different spots.

28. Carolina Panthers - Allen Robinson, WR, Penn StateCam
Newton took a big step forward in 2013 but to take another step
forward, he will need improved play from his receiving corps as Steve
Smith struggled to stay healthy late and Brandon Lafell was decent at
best. Robinson may not wow you athletically but
he is a natural wideout that can get separation and runs well after the
catch. He has the experience of playing in a pro-style attack as he
excelled under Bill O'Brien and he will help whatever quarterback the
Browns take with their first selection. Benjamin was the big-play threat for the Seminoles this year and he has
the size and speed to be a serious playmaker in the vertical passing
game.

29. New England Patriots - Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

Remember
when the Patriots had such a feared tight end duo, one that was the
envy of the rest of the league? Well Rob Gronkowski continues to suffer
injury issues season-in and season-out, and the Aaron Hernandez thing,
well, did not work out. So if one of the top tight ends are available
late in the first, New England will be on the prowl. Therefore, Amaro is
a logical pick as he is a dangerous weapon in the passing game down the
seems.

30. San Francisco 49ers - Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

San
Francisco has a boatload of picks so they may move up if they are
targeting a specific player, but if they do stay home at 30, they may
find an apprentice for an aging Justin Smith with one of the better
players on the board in this Notre Dame product. Tuitt is a veteran of
the 3-4 and thus fits very well in Vic Fangio's defense. He is a big
defensive end, although perhaps a little too big in 2013, and is a
powerful player that is quicker than you think.

31. Denver Broncos* - Trent Murphy, DE, StanfordOpposite
Von Miller, Shaun Philips provided ten sacks but he is on the wrong
side of 30 and not a long-term option for the team, plus Robert Ayers is
a free agent. For a team that puts up a lot of points, having a strong
pass rush is key and thus Denver would be wise to bring in a physical
and long end like Murphy who can move around the defense and is
versatile.

32. Seattle Seahawks* - Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, WashingtonRussell Wilson has been tremendous during his young NFL career, but he has not had the big-time playmakers in the passing game that could take the Seattle offense to another level. And while the team does have a fine tight end in Zach Miller, he is not a guy you really have to gameplan for plus we see more and more teams moving to the multiple tight end looks offensively. Now the questions for Seferian-Jenkins are not with his talent, he is a matchup nightmare plus a good blocker, but with off-the-field issues due to a DUI arrest. However, Pete Carroll has shown he is not afraid to take chances in the draft.

I wish people stop saying franchise QB. There is no franchise QB in this draft. No need for Vikings to take Carr with the 8th pick. They can get a quality QB in the 2nd round like Boyd, Mettenelberger, McCarron. With the 8th pick, they can go with Barr, Dennard, or Dix. Remember Zimmer is the head coach, a former DC, for a team that allowed the most points in the league

First off, I don't agree that there is no franchise QB in this draft. Second, even though I say Carr would be a reach, I would much rather have him than Boyd or McCarron (and more than Mettenberger). And third, as I've stated, we have always seen and always will see quarterbacks drafted higher than they should. Plus, we are a few months away from the draft, things are subject to change.

The Vikings will not reach again for a QB like they did Ponder. Spielman isnt that dumb and has learned his lesson. So if Bridgewater, Bortles, or Manziel happen to fall to #8 they go to the Vikes and if not they go with their board and select the highest Defensive player available. In my opinion Bortles would also be a reach at #8. My prediction is that we go Barr, Mack, or Dennard at #8 and then get Garoppolo as our project QB in the 2nd and hope Norv Turner can strike gold with either Cassel or him.